Integrated control circuit for an oxygen mask

Abstract

A safety device integrated into a respiratory system that includes an oxygen mask having a cup-shaped rigid portion overlying a face mating portion to define a respiratory envelope that is adapted to sealingly engage over the mouth and nose of a user. An integrated control circuit includes an externally mounted connection block and a circuit looping through the respiratory envelope. A hands-free, mouth-activated switch is located within the cup-shaped rigid portion and is electrically coupled to the control circuit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to aviation life support systems and, more particularly, to a control circuit integrated into an oxygen mask.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Typical aviation life support systems for non-rotary aircraft provide a communications sub-system and a respiration sub-system. Such communications sub-systems include a microphone and a speaker, to allow a user to communicate with an entity remote from the aircraft. Moreover, such respiration sub-systems include an oxygen mask for providing the user with fresh air or oxygen while expelling CO2.[0003]U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,586 discloses an aircraft lighting means compatible with a night vision imaging system. However, such aircraft lighting means are described for applications concerning instrument panel lighting systems, light scattering devices for ambient light in pilot's cockpits, light indicators, luminous graphics display systems, position or navigation lights, landing ligh...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an integrated control circuit that can be used in conjunction with existing respiratory and communication systems of an aircraft life support system. The integrated control circuit includes a microphone and an electrical connection block mounted to the respiratory sub-system and the communication sub-system, respectively. The integrated control circuit is electrically coupled to a hands-free, mouth-activated switch disposed within the cup-shaped rigid portion of the respiratory sub-system. The integrated control circuit allows users to activate the light, in a hands-free manner, that avoids interference with a night vision device. The housing enclosing the electrical connection block is mounted to an exterior of the rigid portion, with a window formed therein for emitting night vision compatible light in a tracking relationship to the oxygen mask and the user's head and eyes. The light emitting source includes one or more LEDs that are configured to emit at least two different colors of light that are each night vision compatible, and a dimming control adjusts the intensity level of the emitted light. The technical effects of the present invention include improved communication and safety control in an aircraft life support system.

Problems solved by technology

However, such aircraft lighting means are described for applications concerning instrument panel lighting systems, light scattering devices for ambient light in pilot's cockpits, light indicators, luminous graphics display systems, position or navigation lights, landing lights, flight training lights, anti-collision lights, etc., but not with respect to integrating the same with a user's helmet and, further, not with respect to integrating the same with respect to a respiratory sub-system.

However, the head mounted illumination device is not disclosed with respect to integrating the same with a user's helmet and, further, not with respect to integrating the same with respect to a respiratory sub-system.

However, the cockpit blackout search and survival light is not disclosed with respect to mounting in a central position to readily allow for the provision of light on either side of the user, thus limiting the ability of the user to utilize the same on both sides thereof, a very necessary function in a dark or darkened cockpit environment.

However, the aircraft application appears to relate to aircraft that do not use or require respiratory sub-systems such as, e.g., helicopters and, thus, the helmet mounted aviation night vision illuminating device is not disclosed with respect to integrating the same with respect to a respiratory sub-system.

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